School Programs:
The Impact on Students

"Schools implementing the program report a generalized spin-off effect: Kids are nicer to all their peers."

Thomas Lickona, PhD, writing about our program in his award-winning book, Educating for Character: How Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility

As the nation moves toward truly inclusive public schools, building a culture of acceptance is more important than ever.

Children have a natural curiosity about differences, and accurate information can be the difference between acceptance and discrimination. In nearly three decades of classroom experience, we have seen the impact of our disability awareness curriculum.

Students who participate:

• Gain knowledge of a range of disabilities
• Develop understanding and respect through hands-on, experiential learning
• Expand perceptions of how people are different, and how we are the same
• Become more comfortable talking and reaching out to people with disabilities
• Are less likely to engage in or tolerate bullying of children with disabilities
  

Teachers, parents, and the students themselves recognize the impact:

“As the children learn about different disabilities, their fears and misconceptions have given way to an understanding and sensitivity of people with disabilities and all people.”
Fourth Grade Teacher

“I learned not to judge a person by how he or she looks or acts, but by how good a friend [he or she is].”
Fourth Grade Student

“I feel strongly that Understanding Our Differences has expanded the horizons of future leaders; that we’ve been able to forever affect attitudes of the children who participate in the program.”
Parent Volunteer